Theatre Under The Stars has selected Roderick Paige Elementary School (Houston ISD), James Ross Elementary School (Clear Creek ISD), Cimarron Elementary (Galena Park ISD), and Savannah Lakes Elementary School (Alvin ISD) to participate in the 2025 Disney Musicals in Schools program. This is the inaugural year for TUTS to participate in this initiative developed by Disney Theatrical Group to create sustainable theater programs in under-resourced elementary schools.

To kick off the program, Disney Theatricals sent a few people to Houston to train TUTS Teaching Artists on how to work alongside teachers and other faculty from the selected schools to create successful, sustainable arts programs in these elementary schools. Faculty from each of the selected schools were invited to join in on the fun.

Standing in a circle in the TUTS rehearsal studio, a group of teachers, librarians and administrators introduced themselves and shared why they were excited to be part of the TUTS Disney Musicals in Schools.

“For all of us who are working in the arts, think about that moment when you saw something on stage, think about the moment when you performed something on stage, and what that did to you, how that changed the trajectory of your life. Think about that moment and now think about and sit in the fact that you get to do that and continue to do that for kids. That by itself is enough,” said TUTS Director of Education, Adavion Wayne.

The four schools will embark on a 17-week musical theater residency in the Spring 2026. Each school will receive performance rights, education support materials and guidance from two teaching artists. Partnered with TUTS teaching artists, the teachers will learn how to produce, direct, choreograph and music direct a 30-minute Disney KIDS musical at their school. On May 18, TUTS will host a Student Share Celebration where each school performs a number from their show on the Sarofim Hall stage at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

Disney Musicals in Schools uses the unique world of musical theater to foster positive relationships between students, faculty, staff, parents and the community. Students and teachers work in teams, developing the wide spectrum of skills needed when producing a piece of musical theater, including: critical thinking, problem solving, ensemble building, communication, self-confidence, and interpersonal skills.

After circling up, the educators and teaching artists spent time alongside TUTS and Disney staff used the Disney KIDS musicals script for Aladdin to quickly learn simple choreography, reactions and music to put together a shortened version of the story illustrating the way they will engage students in musical theatre through the program. A feeling of joy permeated the room giving a glimpse into the magic that lies ahead for the students.

The Hit Broadway Holiday Musical Arrives at the Hobby Center Dec. 9

The forecast calls for a 100% chance of snow with the new Theatre Under The Stars production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, and this dazzling cast will deliver Houston a spectacular production of this Broadway hit.

“The holidays are a magical time,” said TUTS Associate Artistic Director, Mitchell Greco, who is directing the musical. “White Christmas is a giant, joyful, timeless musical with an incredible score by Irving Berlin — performed by a full orchestra — along with big Broadway sets and gorgeous costumes.”

Leading the cast is Courtney Markowitz as “Betty Haynes.” TUTS audiences will recognize her from her performances in Ragtime, Mary Poppins, Disney’s Frozen, Sweeney Todd, and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Playing the role of “Judy Haynes” is Karli Dinardo. Joining them are Jarran V. Muse as “Bob Wallace” and Drew Redington as “Phil Davis.” Carolyn Johnson is taking on the role of “Martha.” Kevin Cooney, a favorite of Houston audiences, joins the cast as “General Waverly.” TUTS Humphreys School of Musical Theatre student, Allie Velasquez, will play the role of “Susan.”

Rounding out the incredible company are our talented ensemble members: Madeleine Bourgeouis, Armani Brown, Caitlin Cannon, Caley Crawford, Chase Fontenot, Ciara Jarvis, Evin Johnson, John Manzari, Brent McBeth, Miles Marmolejo, Katrina Rautenan, Sarah Sachi, Yasmyn Sumiyoshi, and Braden Tanner.

Representing the next generation of stars, the Teen Ensemble features students from the TUTS Humphreys School of Musical Theatre and The River: Jordynn Barbee, Mabyn Coleman, Finley Franco, Tessa Garcia, Cosette LaBorde, Julian Lammey, Zach Lester, Zoe White, Abigail Yadan, and Ellie Yarborough.

The powerhouse creative team is led by Greco, with choreography by Kristyn Pope and music direction by Henry Aronson. The show’s design team includes Jonathan Spencer (Lighting Designer), Andrew Harper (Sound Designer), Colleen Grady (Costume Designer), and Kelley Jordan (Hair & Makeup Designer). They’re joined by Stephen W. Jones (Assistant Music Director), Logan Keslar (Assistant Costume Designer),
Jayson Kolbicz (Assistant Hair & Makeup Designer), Ian Evans (Assistant Lighting Designer), and Boomer Bardo (Assistant Sound Designer). Amy Ramsdell serves as Production Stage Manager, with Ethan Mitchell and Meagan Smallwood as Assistant Stage Managers.

Casting is by Calleri Jensen Davis Casting and Laura Peete.

Inspired by the beloved 1954 film, this festive Broadway musical sparkles with romance, nostalgia, and show-stopping numbers like “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” and “White Christmas.” The musical follows two WWII buddies turned entertainers as they team up with a pair of sisters to save a snow-covered Vermont inn—and discover the true meaning of the holidays along the way. 

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas runs Dec. 9 through 24 at the Hobby Center.

Colleen Grady is the Costume Shop Manager and a resident costume designer at Theatre Under The Stars, where she has designed productions including The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, In the Heights, Dreamgirls, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Guys and Dolls, A Chorus Line, Elf, Rock of Ages, Sister Act, The Secret of My Success, Mary Poppins, Sweeney Todd, Cinderella, and Newsies. Known for her eye for detail and passion for theatrical storytelling, Colleen has helped make the TUTS Costume Shop a favorite stop for staff, students, and guests—a welcoming, creative space where artistry comes to life. Learn more at colleengrady.com.

If your life were a musical number, what would its title be—and what would be the final lyric?

The thing that’s popping in my head — but it doesn’t describe my life because I’m a total worry wart and I worry about everything — but the thing that’s popping into my mind is, I think it’s from SPAMALOT, “Always look on the bright side of life…” The final lyric would be something to do with hoping that she left it a better place than she found it. She left it better than she found it.

What part of the theatre-making process feels most like home to you—and why?

The part that feels most like home to me is between the design process and the fitting. Taking the design from the two dimensional on the paper or the computer screen and choosing the fabrics, the trims, all the actual things that are going to make up the three dimensional. Putting it together, like choosing the fabric for the skirt and what are we going to trim it with and what bodice are we going to put and mixing all those patterns and textures that I drew on the page and when we actually realize those into three dimensions. Even before it gets on an actor or any of that. Seeing it come together.

How do you spell an unforgettable night of musical theatre? T-U-T-S! Theatre Under The Stars is serving up laughs, lyrics, and lots of letters with an all-new production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee starring a hive of Houston’s most beloved actors.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced musical comedy following six quirky kids as they compete for glory in a cutthroat spelling showdown. Packed with improv, audience participation and heartfelt surprises, the Bee is laugh-out-loud funny and unexpectedly touching.

TUTS Artistic Director, Dan Knechtges, was the original Choreographer for the original Broadway production. His journey with the musical began with him choreographing a few numbers for the workshop. He, along with the shows creators William Finn, Rachel Sheinkin, and director James Lapine ultimately opened the show first Off-Broadway at Second Stage Theatre before opening on Broadway on April 15, 2005 at the Circle in the Square Theatre.

“Spelling Bee was really special for me. It was the first show I took to Broadway. Being able to go back and mount a new production looking at it through the lens of all my experience as a director and a choreographer is really exciting and I can’t wait for Houston audiences to experience the hilarity and the heart of this great musical,” said Knechtges.

Leading the cast is a Houston native known for his Tony-nominated role in Broadway’s Shucked, and for his roles in Showtime’s “Nurse Jackie” and Netflix’s “Glow,” Kevin Cahoon as “Vice Principal Douglas Panch.” Mark Ivy who TUTS’ audiences will know from his roles in last season’s productions of Disney’s Frozen (Olaf) and Little Shop of Horrors (Mr. Mushnik) plays “William Barfee.” Michael Alonzo who was just seen on the TUTS stage as the “Piragua Guy” in In the Heights plays “Chip Tolentino.” Gemini Quintos known for many roles around the Houston theatre scene including her portrayal of one of the ugly stepsisters in the TUTS 2023 production of Cinderella joins the cast as “Marcy Park.” Another Houston favorite who has been in many TUTS productions, most recently in the holiday comedy musical, The Ugly Xmas Sweater Musical, Julia Krohn plays “Rona Lisa Peretti.” JD Houston, who TUTS audiences will know from his roles in the 2021 production of Sister Act (Sweaty Eddie) and 2023’s RENT (Benny), is “Mitch Mahoney.”

Other Houston favorites that will have audiences cheering are Marco Camacho as “Leaf Coneybear,” Abigail Bensman as “Logainne SchwartzandGrubenierre,” and Adell Ehrhorn as “Olive Ostrovsky.” John Ryan Del Bosque and Rebecca Russell are Understudies covering all Male/Female presenting roles respectively.

Joining Knechtges on the creative team for this all-new production are: Stephen W. Jones as Music Director; Hudson Davis as Lighting Designer; Andrew Harper as Sound Designer; Colleen Grady as Costume Designer; Jayson Kolbicz as Hair & Makeup Designer; Courtney Markowitz as Associate Director; Keith Williams as Assistant Music Director; Logan Keslar as Assistant Costume Designer; Ian Evans as Assistant Lighting Designer; Boomer Bardo as Assistant Sound Designer; Amy Ramsdell as Production Stage Manager; and Trinity Nobles and Chrissy Roy as Assistant Stage Managers. Casting by Calleri Jensen Davis Casting and Laura Peete.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee runs October 21 – November 2 at the Theatre Under The Stars. Tickets start at just $35, and are available online at TUTS.org, or by contacting the TUTS Box Office by phone at (713) 558-8887 or in person by visiting the Box Office located at 800 Bagby Street.

Theatre Under The Stars is grateful to our season sponsors The Brown Foundation, The Wortham Foundation, and the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, Reside Houston Downtown, A Wyndham Residence, ABC-13 and Houston Chronicle.

Applications are open for Greater Houston Area Public Elementary Schools to Participate and Produce a Disney Musical at No Cost

Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) is proud to announce it has received a $150,000 grant from Disney to bring the Disney Musicals in Schools (DMIS) program to the Greater Houston Area. Disney Musicals in Schools is an initiative developed by Disney Theatrical Group to create enduring theater programs in public elementary schools. The grant funds two years of programming.

“This new partnership expands our relationship with Disney in the best way—through one of their incredible programs that increases access to musical theatre for the youngest students in our public school system,” said TUTS Artistic Director, Dan Knechtges.

Theatre Under The Stars will select two area public elementary schools to participate in the 2025–26 school year, with an additional five to be chosen for the 2026-27 school year. Applications for the 2025–26 school year are now open. Interested schools can apply by visiting TUTS.org or contacting TUTS Education Director, Adavion Wayne at adavion.wayne@tuts.org.

About the Program

With support from the Disney grant, participating schools will engage in a 17-week musical theater residency led by teaching artists trained by TUTS and Disney Theatrical Group — at no cost to the schools. Each school receives performance rights, educational support materials, and professional development as teachers collaborate with TUTS artists to learn how to direct, choreograph, and music direct a 30-minute Disney KIDS musical.

The experience culminates in a Student Share Celebration, where each school performs a number from their production on the TUTS stage for an audience of students, teachers, families, and community members.

“This program creates an opportunity for students to learn, create, and grow through the art of musical theatre,” said TUTS Executive Director, Hillary Hart. “It aligns perfectly with our mission to cultivate the art form and provide access to the community.”

Application Requirements

Participating schools are expected to:

Interested schools should apply by clicking below:

The application deadline for the 2025/26 school year is Monday, Oct. 6.

About Disney Musicals in Schools

Disney Musicals in Schools was launched in 2009 in response to the lack of equitable arts access in public elementary schools. After successful implementation in New York City, Disney Theatrical Group began partnering with organizations nationwide to expand the program. To learn more, visit DisneyMusicalsinSchools.com.

The 2025 Tommy Tune Awards from Theatre Under The Stars was a spectacular night!

“Every year we see more and more how much incredible talent we have right here in Houston in these amazing students,” said Jacob Shideler, TUTS Director of Education.

The winners of the 2025 Tommy Tune Awards are:

Outstanding Musical:

• Tier 1: Clear Springs High School, Hadestown: Teen Edition
• Tier 2: Stratford High School, Disney’s The Little Mermaid

Jimmy Awards^® Nominee Winner:

• Carlos Garza, Pearland High School, Catch Me if You Can

Jimmy Awards^® Nominee Winner:

• Alyssa Dorsey, G.W. Carver Magnet High School, Dreamgirls

Jimmy Awards^® Nominee Runner Up:

• Zeina Montifar, Bridgeland High School, Evita

Jimmy Awards^® Nominee Runner Up:

• Holden Hageleberger, Stratford High School, Disney’s The Little Mermaid

North Star Award:

• Payton Daly, The Kinkaid School, Disney’s The Little Mermaid

Congeniality Award:

• Jerome Johnson, Hightower High School, The Color Purple

Spirit Award:

• Reagan Wilson, G.W. Carver Magnet High School, Dreamgirls

Outstanding Ensemble:

• Tier 1: G.W. Carver Magnet High School, Dreamgirls
• Tier 2: Second Baptist School, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

Outstanding Technical Achievement:

• Tier 1: G.W. Carver Magnet High School, Dreamgirls
• Tier 2: Second Baptist School, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

Outstanding Orchestra:

• Tier 1: Klein Collins High School, The Sound of Music
• Tier 2: Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, 9 to 5
• Tier 2: Klein High School, Anastasia

Outstanding Director:

• Tier 1: Roshunda Jones-Koumba, G.W. Carver Magnet High School, Dreamgirls
• Tier 2: Cindy Blades, Zoe Chapman, Second Baptist School, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
• Tier 2: CeCe Prudhomme, Lizzie Picott, Stratford High School, Disney’s The Little Mermaid

Outstanding Music Direction:

• Tier 1: Donte Wright, G.W. Carver Magnet High School, Dreamgirls
• Tier 2: Claire Westmoreland, Kambel Crites, Jacqueline Lundsford, Second Baptist School, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

Outstanding Choreography:

• Tier 1: Cole Montgomery, Nicole Hiemstra, Houston Christian High School, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
• Tier 2: Courtney D. Jones, Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, 9 to 5
• Tier 2: Melissa Tyler, Kenny Erler, Dr. Bobby Linhart, Houston Christian High School, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Outstanding Lighting Design:

• Tier 1: Aria Bouchard, Hailey Hawk, Clear Springs High School, Hadestown: Teen Edition
• Tier 2: Colin Burke, Matthew Murphy, The Emery/Weiner School, Footloose
• Tier 2: Griffin Ferguson, Carleigh Nickel, Stratford High School, Disney’s The Little Mermaid

Outstanding Scenic Design:

• Tier 1: Jabari Collins, G.W. Carver Magnet High School, Dreamgirls
• Tier 2: David Clayton, Sophie Myers, Meredith Avery, Stratford High School, Disney’s The Little Mermaid
• Tier 2: Steven Bogard, The John Cooper School, Anything Goes
• Tier 2: Walker Fair, The Emery/Weiner School, Footloose

Outstanding Costume Design:

• Tier 1: Amber Young, Terry Hibbert, Clark McCormick, Houston Christian High School, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
• Tier 1: Jamar Hawkins, G.W. Carver High School, Dreamgirls
• Tier 1: Frances Guerrero, Yates High School, The Wiz
• Tier 2: Joscelyne Oktabetz, Percy Vojnovich, Kingwood High School, The Phantom of the Opera
• Tier 2: Laura Targett, The John Cooper School, Anything Goes

Outstanding Sound Design:

• Tier 1: Zariah Tatum, G.W. Carver, Dreamgirls
• Tier 2: Mac Brown, Caroline Morisett, Second Baptist School, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

Outstanding Stage Management:

• Tier 1: Niya Kelly, G.W. Carver Magnet High School, Dreamgirls
• Tier 2: Avery Glauser, Sara Griffin, Avelynn Stovall, Second Baptist School, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
• Tier 2: Bethany Maynard, Stratford High School, Disney’s The Little Mermaid

Outstanding Supporting Lead:

• Andrew Dybala, Stratford High School, Disney’s The Little Mermaid
• Dash Leonard, Stratford High School, Disney’s The Little Mermaid
• Kasean Francis, G.W. Carver Magnet High School, Dreamgirls

Outstanding Singer:

• Meagan Edwards, Ridge Point High School, The SpongeBob Musical

Outstanding Actor:

• Avery Buras, Friendswood High School, Mary Poppins
• Harrison Kulis, The John Cooper School, Anything Goes
• Ian Endom, The John Cooper School, Anything Goes

Outstanding Dancer:

• Olivia Shoemaker, Second Baptist High School, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

Outstanding Honorable Mention:

• Ethan Rodriguez Torres, Cypress Ranch High School, Sweeney Todd
• Hezekiah Mayers, Summer Creek High School, Mean Girls: High School Edition

Each year, high schools across the Houston area bring full-scale musicals to life, competing for top honors in 18 thrilling categories—from Outstanding Musical to Outstanding Choreographer, Director, Orchestra, and more. Over the course of the 2024-2025 school year, a panel of seasoned theatre professionals evaluated every production, carefully reviewing performances, technical achievements, and standout moments that made each show unforgettable. These adjudicators—directors, designers, choreographers, and musicians with deep roots in arts education—bring their expertise and passion to the judging process, recognizing excellence on and off the stage.

Named after Broadway icon and Houston native Tommy Tune, the awards honor the legacy of a performer, director, and choreographer whose dazzling career has earned nine Tony Awards. A proud Lamar High School alum, Tune has left an indelible mark on Broadway with legendary productions like Seesaw, My One and Only, Nine, Grand Hotel, and The Will Rogers Follies. In 2003, his contributions to the arts were further recognized with the National Medal of Arts.

Jimmy Awards^®

This year 35 Tommy Tune Award finalists for Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role! Two were selected via a rigorous audition process adjudicated by a panel of industry professionals ultimately winning an opportunity to represent Houston and TUTS at the Jimmy Awards®. The National High School Musical Theatre Awards^® (the Jimmy Awards^®) are a national celebration of outstanding student achievement, recognizing individual artistry in vocal, dance, and acting performance and elevating the importance of theatre arts education in schools. The Jimmy Awards are presented by The Broadway League Foundation.

Theatre Under The Stars is taking you to Washington Heights in the last production of the 2024/25 Season, Lin Manuel Miranda’s first Broadway smash hit, In the Heights.

“In the Heights is the final show in our season and what a perfect way to end it,” said Dan Knechtges, TUTS Artistic Director. “Lin Manuel Miranda’s first Broadway hit is a vibrant celebration of community, identity and the ties that bind us together. It’s the perfect finale for a season dedicated to storytelling that connects us all.”

In the Heights tells the story of a tight-knit community chasing dreams, facing change, and celebrating identity through dazzling music, heartfelt stories, and electrifying dance. A joyful celebration of heritage, hope and home.

Leading the cast is Daniel Melo as “Usnavi,” Jordan Leal as “Nina,” Yassmin Alers as “Abuela Claudia,” Rosarito Rodriguez as “Camila,” Cesar F. Barajas as “Kevin,” John Lara as “Sonny,” Alysia Velez as “Vanessa,” Lamont Walker II as “Benny,” Carisa Gonzalez as “Daniela,” Glendaliris Torres-Greaux as “Carla,” Michael Alonzo as “Piragua Guy,” and Mrince Williams as “Graffiti Pete.”

Joining them in the ensemble are: Ben Chavez, Adriel Flete, Angelica Lozada Ramos, Emily Madigan, Kiki Rodriguez, Sarah Sachi, Saroa-Dwayne Sasa, Matt Rivera, Arik Vega, Cassandra Zepeda.

Additionally, students from TUTS Humphreys School of Musical Theatre are given the opportunity to audition for many of TUTS Mainstage shows throughout the season. In the Heights features many of the talented students who are part of these programs in the Teen Ensemble.

The Teen Ensemble includes: Julius Bob, Carlos Garza, Tessa Garcia, Rangel Guzman, Kayla Hairston, Ernest Lopez, Alyssa Melton, and Anastasia Zepeda.

William Carlos Angulo is the Director and Choreographer for In the Heights. Joining him are: Emmanuel Schvartzman as Musical Director; Robert J. Aguilar as Lighting Designer; Andrew Harper as Sound Designer; Colleen Grady as Costume Designer; Kelly Jordan as Wig Designer; Victoria Sagady as Projection Designer; Diego Alejandro González as Associate Director; Shani Talmore as Associate Choreographer; Stephen W. Jones as Associate Music Director and Amy Ramsdell as Production Stage Manager. Original Set Design by Anna Louisoz. Casting by Calleri Jensen Davis Casting and Associate Artistic Director, Laura Peete.

In the Heights runs May 20 – June 1 at the Theatre Under The Stars. Tickets start at just $34, and are available online at or by contacting the TUTS Box Office by phone at (713) 558-8887 or in person by visiting the Box Office located at 800 Bagby Street.

In the Heights is sponsored in part by CononcoPhillips. Theatre Under The Stars is grateful to our season sponsors The Brown Foundation, The Wortham Foundation, and the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, and Reside Houston Downtown, A Wyndham Residence.